Listowel Castle
Explore the restored towers of Listowel Castle, a free OPA site offering engaging guided tours and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the midday rush
Listowel Castle
Best Time
Beat the midday rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the restored towers of Listowel Castle, a free OPA site offering engaging guided tours and panoramic views.
"The free guided tours are a must! Guides like John are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining."
🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The free guided tours are a must! Guides like John are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining.
☕ Coffee Break at Writer's Centre
Enjoy a coffee and explore local literature at the Writer's Centre next door.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Castle's Towers
Interior of the castle
Explore the restored towers and discover fascinating historical details, including a unique monkey carving.
Panoramic Views
Top of the castle towers
Enjoy breathtaking views over the Listowel racecourse and the surrounding countryside.
The Writer's Centre
Adjacent grounds
Visit the adjoining Writer's Centre and Library for a dose of local culture and literature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Guided Tours are Key
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The free guided tours are a must! Guides like John are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. +1
☕ Coffee Break at Writer's Centre
Enjoy a coffee and explore local literature at the Writer's Centre next door.
⏳ Allow 45 Minutes
A typical visit, including the tour, lasts about 45 minutes.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Public restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance of the Writer's Library.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The free guided tours are a must! Guides like John are incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. +1
☕ Coffee Break at Writer's Centre
Enjoy a coffee and explore local literature at the Writer's Centre next door.
⏳ Allow 45 Minutes
A typical visit, including the tour, lasts about 45 minutes.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Public restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance of the Writer's Library.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Listowel Castle for its engaging and free guided tours, highlighting the knowledgeable and entertaining guides like John. The restored towers offer great views over the racecourse, and the adjacent Writer's Centre adds a cultural dimension. While not a vast ruin, the experience is highly recommended for its historical insights and friendly atmosphere.
"I've passed by this castle many times but for various reasons never got a chance to visit till yesterday. There isn't much left of the castle, but what is there has been well restored. John is an excellent guide and really brought the place to life. There are excellent views out over the racecourse and beyond. A coffee in the literary centre on the grounds is a good recommendation 👌."
Brid Lane
"My husband and I enjoyed our visit to Lostowel castle. This is a free OPA site to visit. You do access the interior while on a guided tour. Our tour guide was John and he is a very colorful character and provides an interesting tour which includes the historical significance of this location. There is actually a face found on the outside of one of the existing 2 towers. John shared the story but you have to visit to hear it. It involves a monkey so is an interesting bit of history. You should definitely put this site on your list to visit. We spent about 45 minutes there. There are public restrooms at the entrance of the Writers library which is right next door and we were allowed to use these."
April Williams
"This tour was amazing! The views, the history and the knowledge of our tour guide, John was a great experience! What a beautiful happy accident for us to find this place"
Becky Graff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Listowel Castle is located in the town of Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might include local bus services to Listowel town center, from where the castle is a short walk.
Yes, Listowel Castle is centrally located within the town of Listowel and is generally easy to find. Look for signs directing you to the castle or the Writer's Centre.
Listowel is a walkable town. After visiting the castle, take time to explore the local shops, pubs, and the famous Listowel Racecourse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Listowel Castle is a free OPA (Office of Public Works) site. Access to the interior is exclusively through guided tours, which are also free. +1
Tickets are not required as the tours are free. However, it's advisable to arrive a little early for your desired tour time, as spots can be limited. +1
Tour times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official OPW website or inquire locally upon arrival for the most up-to-date tour schedule.
The exterior grounds are generally accessible. However, to explore the interior and learn about the castle's history, the guided tour is essential.
The Writer's Centre and Library are typically free to enter and explore, offering a wonderful complement to your castle visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours are highly praised for their engaging and informative nature. Guides like John are known for their historical knowledge, humor, and ability to bring the castle's past to life. +2
Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to an hour at Listowel Castle, which includes the guided tour and time to enjoy the views.
Inside, you'll see the restored towers and learn about the castle's history, including unique architectural details like a carved monkey face.
Absolutely! The views from the top of the towers over the racecourse and town are fantastic for photos. The castle itself also offers picturesque shots.
Yes, children often enjoy the stories and the interactive nature of the guided tours. The views and the unique historical elements can capture their imagination.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While there isn't dining directly within the castle, the adjacent Writer's Centre offers a pleasant spot for coffee. Listowel town also has various cafes and pubs for meals.
You can enjoy coffee at the Writer's Centre located on the castle grounds, which is a recommended stop after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top of the castle towers, overlooking the racecourse and town, are prime photography locations. The castle's architecture itself also provides great photo opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted inside the accessible parts of the castle during the guided tour. Always be mindful of your guide and other visitors.
Keep an eye out for the historical carvings on the exterior, such as the intriguing monkey face, which make for unique and memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Allow about 45 minutes for the visit, which is a manageable duration for younger attention spans. The panoramic views from the top are also a hit with kids, offering a sense of adventure. Plus, the nearby Writer's Centre provides a quiet space for a break or a coffee, and restrooms are conveniently located there.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk around Listowel town and a coffee at the Writer's Centre for a fulfilling and affordable outing. The value derived from the engaging tours and the scenic views makes it a highly rewarding free attraction.
📚 Culture & History Enthusiasts
Don't miss the adjacent Writer's Centre, which celebrates the town's literary heritage. This offers a dual cultural experience, combining medieval fortifications with a celebration of modern Irish literature. The unique stories and historical details, like the carved monkey, add layers of intrigue for history buffs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Guided Tour
Many visitors consider the tour to be a highlight of their trip to Ireland, with some even calling it a 'happy accident' that turned into one of their favorite experiences. The guides' passion and ability to connect with the audience transform a visit to ruins into a memorable historical journey. Arriving a little early for your tour is a good strategy to ensure you get a spot and can fully immerse yourself in the narrative.
Beyond the historical insights, the tours also offer access to the upper levels of the castle, providing stunning panoramic views. This combination of rich history, engaging delivery, and scenic vistas makes the guided tour an absolute must-do at Listowel Castle.
Beyond the Castle Walls: The Writer's Centre
The Writer's Centre is not only a repository of local literary talent but also a welcoming space. Many visitors recommend stopping here for a coffee, making it a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the castle's history or to delve deeper into the town's cultural offerings. It's a peaceful retreat that adds another layer to the Listowel experience, showcasing the town's multifaceted appeal beyond its historical fortifications.
Access to public restrooms is also conveniently located at the entrance of the Writer's Library, adding a practical benefit to visiting this cultural annex. It's a testament to Listowel's thoughtful approach to tourism, ensuring visitors have access to amenities while exploring its historical and cultural gems.
Views and Vistas from the Castle
These elevated perspectives offer a unique appreciation for the town's layout and its surrounding landscape. Photographers and casual visitors alike will find ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the racecourse, the town's rooftops, and the distant countryside. The contrast between the ancient stone of the castle and the vibrant green of the racecourse creates a visually striking scene.
Beyond the racecourse, the views extend to encompass the broader panorama of Listowel and its environs. These scenic outlooks serve as a reminder of the castle's historical role in observing and controlling the surrounding territory, adding a layer of historical context to the visual experience.
Social
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